Evinrude Fastwin History

[ak_country2003]

I am looking at possibly getting an Evinrude Fastwin Outboard Motor, and wanted to know some things about them.

During what years were the Fastwin's produced?

What were the horsepower's made for the Fastwin?

How can I find out what year a Fastwin is, from the Serial Number? (is there a chart that can tell me this information?)

Are parts for these motors easily accessed and where can I go for the best deals for these parts?

I believe the Fastwin I'm thinking of getting is a late 60's model 15 or 18 horsepower? (was told it was a 15 h.p)

It looks like it's in decent shape and was told that it runs. (think it has been sitting in a shed for several years)

How much can I expect to pay for this motor in running condition?

I am planning on taking it to a mechanic to look over and do a tune up.

Thank You for any information.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

The original were 15 hp. I bought a new 1957 model. I know they made it in '58 also. These were 18 hp engines. If you can buy parts for a Big Twin (35 hp) the same outlet should also provide parts for the 18 hp.

Very reliable engine but that was when it was new. Don't know how it would be today. I'd worry about internal corrosion and possibly water in the lower unit as they had a complicated gasket on it. However, I have picked up on some folks reporting on their 'era engines and still seem to be doing fine.

Mark

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

The first post-WWII "Fastwins" were actually 14 horse models, approx. 20-cubic inches. A redesign in 1953 bumped it up to 15hp. The '53 and '54 Fastwin 15 models were essentially the same, with a modest redesign in 1955. The '55 was further refined for 1956. Cubic inches were bumped up to approximately 22 cubes for 1957 and horsepower was increased to 18. The 22-cubic inch Fastwin model stayed at 18hp through the end of its run in the early 1970s.

They were a solid design, made good power for their size & weight, and most consumable parts are still readily and cheaply available. If the motor has been well cared for during it's service life, there's a good chance it can be kept that way with general maintenance and upkeep. For those that weren't so lucky, there are many parts motors out there to donate various parts as needed. Johnson also had a nearly identical 18hp model starting in 1957, although theirs was re-rated to 20hp in the late 1960s. Most non-cosmetic parts from a Johnson 18/20 will bolt right up to an Evinrude of the same vintage.

In the early 1970s Johnson and Evinrude both added a 25 horse model based on the same block, but it had several internal tweaks that make some parts difficult to swap (crankshaft, pistons, cylinder head, etc.) Non-powerhead parts remain interchangeable (lower units, recoils, tillers, etc.)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

the old 18 is a great motor. however, if it';s a salt water motor, most of the bolts are seized so even a simple repair becomes a total (my shift lever broke and it was all down hill from there). So you might test a bolt or two.

If it's running and cheap enough, just get it.

Around here an old 18 running would be no more than $300; $75 for parts.

 

[ak_country2003]

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

Thank You for all the insight, I appreciate it. The motor has been only used on a lake to my knowledge, and appears to be in decent shape. He only wants about 100-150 dollars for it. I'll try to post some pictures of it later. I'm going to buy it. Thanks again.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

Hi ak. Welcome to iboats. Fastwin/E-models (FD model in Johson form) are great old motors. $100 is a great deal. If the compression is good all the rest can be fixed pretty easily. I have a '66 20 hp and it runs great. Start's on the first pull and will push me along at about 20 mph in a 14' semi-v tinny. Here's a handy link that my help.

http://www.leeroysramblings.com/johnson_E-FD_15_18hp.html

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Evinrude Fastwin History

Thank You for all the insight, I appreciate it. The motor has been only used on a lake to my knowledge, and appears to be in decent shape. He only wants about 100-150 dollars for it. I'll try to post some pictures of it later. I'm going to buy it. Thanks again.

if it runs, buy it.

There is no tell tale, so you are taking some chances on the water pump. Maybe he will let you run it on a boat to be sure it doesn't overheat but at that price I doubt it.